THE HIDDEN letters of an amazing mum who recently passed away have inspired a south Warwickshire songwriter.
Simon Pollitt, from Leamington, teamed up with his song writing partner Paul Baker to write a Christmas anthem entitled Dear Mum (Missing You This Christmas) after Paul found notes written to him in his mum’s bedside hanky drawer soon after she died.
Paul’s mum Marjorie had been in a care home in Kent with vascular dementia for the last three years but had left the notes behind, telling Paul not to be sad, that she was proud of him and he was loved.
Simon, also moved by the notes, agreed to help write the song.
Simon said: “When Paul told me this story I just knew I needed to help write a song about this incredible lady. I’ve said she needs a co-writing credit as the words we use are hers.”
They have recorded it with international singer Jacob Andrews who they discovered online after hearing the rich tone of his voice.
Paul lost his husband David just over two years ago to leukaemia after a yearlong battle and after his mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia and was moved to a specialist nursing home, he decided to move to Deal in Kent to be near her.
He said: “I got four precious weeks visiting her daily before she said goodbye 40 minutes before what would have been dad’s 99th birthday. I think, she wanted to be with him so they could celebrate together. This will be my first Christmas without her, and I am really going to miss mum as we both loved Christmas and spending it together.
“Mum was a nurse during the war and went on to run children’s homes for almost 30 years, looking after over 800 children during this time. She made a difference to many peoples’ lives, so writing a song in her memory felt like a fitting way of remembering mum and all those who have lost a parent or loved one. The song makes me smile when I think of mum and I hope it helps others do the same for their loved ones, especially around Christmas.”
The video was shot at Paul’s mum’s house and features “Battle Over Britain” actor Chris Clynes as the son going home for the first time after the loss of his mum and finding the letter. It ends with the tag line “A Mum’s Love is Forever”
Paul and Simon also hope to raise cash in aid of Marie Curie from the song. People who watch the video online can click on a link to donate to the charity which provides expert end of life care for people with a terminal illness and their families.
To watch the video and donate visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/dearmum
